Kendall - The UK had increased military spending from about 1936 in response to the build up of arms in Germany, but this was taking time to have effect. Many of our successful weapons in WW2 started development about this time - the Hurricane, the Spitfire, the 25pdr gun/howitzer, the 3.7in anti-aircraft gun, radar...

But the UK (and France) were still somewhat behind Germany who had started re-armament somewhat earlier. So in terms of everything but the Royal Navy the UK was somewhat behind Germany in the number and to some extent the quality of armaments. The USA was in a similar situation.

Hitler had anticipated war with the UK in 1948 and his naval building plans were aimed at that (Plan Z).

As well as the events in Austria and Czechoslovakia, the Spanish Civil War was an eye-opener. Many people were arguing for re-armament (including Churchill) but the UK economy was still depressed. The need to act together with the French was also paramount, and of course Germany could invade France!

It was Neville Chamberlain's government that declared war on Germany.